First away win remains elusive

Paddy Cornish was on target for South Saxons in their 2-1 defeat away to East Grinstead III on Saturday

Published:13:08Tuesday 16 December 2014

South Saxons Hockey Club’s men’s first team’s quest for a first away league win of the season will continue into the new year.

Saxons were narrowly beaten 2-1 by fellow mid-table side East Grinstead III in their final Sussex Open Hockey League Division One game before the festive break on Saturday.

The Hastings club considered itself unlucky not to come away with at least a point against an ‘enhanced’ 16-man East Grinstead squad.

Saxons started well with Jamie Busbridge coming close to scoring from a tight angle inside the first 10 minutes after good play from debutant Andrew Orr.

The visitors fell behind to a well-executed drag flick from a short corner midway through the first half, but responded well with Paddy Cornish reacting quickly to divert home a shot from Jon Meredith for the equaliser only to be sin-binned shortly afterwards.

Saxons dominated much of the game and created several chances through good play, with Tudor Stainsby, Gavin Cload and Harry Reece working hard.

Some interesting umpiring made for an eventful game with further yellow cards for Toby Reed (high stick) and man of the match Orr (accidental collision), as well as one for East Grinstead after a string of bad tackles.

East Grinstead stole the victory with a goal again resulting from a short corner, leaving Saxons with just one point from their six away league matches so far.

Seventh-placed Saxons will return to action with a third consecutive away game against Middleton & Bognor on Saturday January 17.